Comorbidity, which signifies the simul- taneous occurrence in a person of two or more disorders, is a topic of consid- erable and growing interest in the context of health care. Research sup- ports the view that a number of men- tal disorders (. depression, anxiety, substance abuse) occur in people suf- fering from both non-communicable and communicable diseases more often than would be expected by chance. And people suffering from chronic physical conditions have a greater probability of developing mental disorders such as depression. Rates of suicide are higher among people with physical disorders than among other people. Comorbidity results in lower adher- ence to medical treatment, an increase in disability and mortality, and higher health costs. However, comorbid men- tal.
